Strategically located
in the fertile Kansas River Valley, the capital city of Kansas was born
because a young Pennsylvanian, Colonel Cyrus K. Holiday, wanted to build a
railroad. The present city of Topeka, which sits on the Kansas River, was
chosen as a suitable site and the town company was formed in 1854. In 1861
when Topeka was designated Kansas's state capital construction began for the
state capitol. Completed nearly 40 years later, the Classical Revival state
capitol includes ornate senate chambers, with bronze columns and
variegated-marble accents.
Topeka's historic tours bring back the sights
and sounds of yesteryear. West of downtown Topeka, the Kansas Museum of
History explains Kansas's history from the Native American era to the
present. Historic Ward-Meade Park is as lovely as it is historic, with a
restored mansion, a cabin, a train depot, a one-room schoolhouse, and
botanical gardens.
True pioneer spirit is found all throughout the
city of Topeka - particularly in the picturesque rolling hills, trees,
lakes, and grasslands. If your seeking entertainment, The Expocentre and the
Topeka Performing Arts Center bring the art culture alive in Topeka. For the
visitor interested in the fast track - there isn't a better way to
experience the racing excitement of motorsports racing than by visiting the
Heartland Park Topeka.
The World Famous Topeka Zoological Park provides
visitors with the opportunity to visit with lions and other wild animals.
After a visiting the zoological park, take a ride on the restored Carousel
in the Park, an attraction known for brings out the child in everyone! If
theatre and art are more your style, make sure to visit the exhibits at the
Mulvane Art Museum. This museum features an ever-changing array of artwork
for the art enthusiast. In the evening, you can catch dinner and a show at
the Topeka Civic Theatre.
Topeka has it all! For your next vacation,
travel to Topeka and share in the adventures of a pioneer history, along
with the excitement of visiting a contemporary city.